From 13 February 2026, updated rules affecting bus pass usage across parts of the UK are coming into force, prompting questions from pensioners and eligible travellers alike. For many older residents and disabled passengers, concessionary bus travel is more than a convenience — it’s a lifeline that supports independence, access to healthcare and social connection.
While the national concessionary scheme itself is not being scrapped, adjustments to eligibility timing, travel hours and administrative procedures are being introduced in certain areas. If you currently use a bus pass or expect to qualify soon, here is everything you need to know in clear and simple terms.
What Is the UK Concessionary Bus Pass
The national concessionary travel scheme in England allows eligible older and disabled residents to travel on local buses for free during off‑peak hours.
In England, this is known as the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme, administered under guidance from the Department for Transport.
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, separate schemes operate with their own eligibility rules.
For most older residents in England, eligibility begins when you reach State Pension age.
What Is Changing From 13 February 2026
From 13 February 2026, updates focus mainly on administrative processes and local authority discretion rather than removing entitlement entirely.
Key areas of change include:
Stricter verification of eligibility
Updated renewal procedures
Clearer guidance on peak‑time restrictions
Improved digital application processes
Importantly, the core principle of free off‑peak bus travel for eligible individuals remains intact.
Eligibility Age and State Pension Age
In England, eligibility for a bus pass is linked to the State Pension age.
The State Pension is provided through the State Pension system.
As the State Pension age gradually rises, so too does the age at which people qualify for a concessionary bus pass in England.
This has been the case for several years, but the February 2026 update reinforces alignment between bus pass eligibility and pension age thresholds.
If you were expecting to qualify at 60, you should check your specific State Pension age online to confirm when you become eligible.
Off‑Peak Travel Rules
Under the national scheme in England, free travel generally applies:
From 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays
All day on weekends and bank holidays
Local councils can offer additional concessions, such as earlier travel times, but they are not required to do so.
The February 2026 clarification reinforces that peak‑time travel before 9:30am on weekdays is not automatically included unless your local authority funds it.
Local Authority Variations
Bus pass schemes are funded locally.
This means enhancements vary by region.
For example:
Some councils allow travel before 9:30am.
Some offer companion passes for carers.
Some include discounted rail add‑ons.
The 13 February 2026 update encourages councils to standardise communication so residents clearly understand local variations.
However, core national eligibility rules remain unchanged.
Disabled Bus Pass Holders
Disabled residents may qualify for a concessionary bus pass regardless of age if they meet specific criteria.
Eligibility may include:
Receiving qualifying disability benefits
Being registered blind or partially sighted
Having mobility impairments
Benefits such as Personal Independence Payment can support eligibility in some cases, though entitlement to PIP alone does not automatically guarantee a pass.
From February 2026, councils are introducing clearer evidence requirements to streamline assessments.
Renewal and Replacement Changes
One of the more noticeable changes from 13 February 2026 involves renewals.
Instead of automatic reissue in some areas, pass holders may now be required to confirm address details or update photographs.
If your pass is due to expire in 2026, check with your local authority to see whether you must take action.
Lost or stolen passes can still be replaced, though administrative fees may apply depending on your council.
Digital Applications and Online Accounts
Many councils are expanding online application systems.
From February 2026, applicants in several areas will be encouraged to:
Apply online
Upload proof of age or disability digitally
Track application status through council portals
Paper applications remain available, but digital processing may become the default method in many regions.
Cross‑Border Travel
The English bus pass provides free travel only on local bus services in England.
It does not automatically grant free travel in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Each nation runs its own concessionary scheme:
National Entitlement Card operates in Scotland.
If you travel frequently across borders, you should check reciprocal agreements in advance.
What Is Not Changing
Despite online speculation, the February 2026 update does not:
Remove free off‑peak bus travel nationally
Introduce means‑testing
Require pensioners to reapply from scratch
End the concessionary scheme
The structure remains rooted in age‑based and disability‑based eligibility.
Funding Pressures and Policy Debate
Local transport authorities face ongoing funding pressures.
Passenger numbers remain uneven since the pandemic, and operating costs have risen.
Some councils have reviewed discretionary enhancements, such as peak‑time extensions, to manage budgets.
However, the national statutory concession remains protected under current legislation.
How to Check Your Eligibility
To confirm your bus pass eligibility:
Check your State Pension age
Visit your local council website
Prepare proof of identity and address
Gather any required medical documentation if applying under disability grounds
Eligibility dates are calculated precisely based on date of birth.
What If You Move House
If you move to a different local authority area, you must inform your council.
You may need to reapply with your new authority.
Passes are not always transferable automatically across council boundaries.
Keeping your details updated ensures uninterrupted travel access.
Common Questions
Is the bus pass being scrapped
No. The national scheme continues.
Are travel hours changing everywhere
No. Core off‑peak hours remain 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays in England.
Do I need to reapply in 2026
Only if your pass is expiring or your council requests updated information.
Does this affect Scotland or Wales
No. Each nation operates separate schemes.
Key Points to Remember
Changes take effect from 13 February 2026.
Eligibility remains linked to State Pension age in England.
Free off‑peak travel continues nationally.
Local councils may adjust discretionary enhancements.
Renewal procedures may require updated confirmation.
Practical Advice for Pass Holders
If you currently use a concessionary bus pass:
Check your expiry date.
Confirm local travel hours.
Ensure your address details are correct.
Stay alert for official communication from your council.
Taking small steps now avoids confusion later.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming bus pass rule changes from 13 February 2026 are primarily about administrative clarity and alignment with existing eligibility rules rather than removing entitlements.
For most eligible residents, free off‑peak bus travel will continue as before. However, as State Pension ages rise and councils review budgets, it becomes increasingly important to understand how national and local rules interact.
If you are approaching eligibility age, checking your State Pension date and preparing documentation early will help ensure a smooth application process.
Above all, rely on official council communications rather than social media speculation.
The concessionary bus pass remains an important part of public transport access across the UK — and for the vast majority of users, it is here to stay.